In the summer of 2012, CMCC first teamed up with the Toronto People With AIDS (PWA) as part of the Wellness Crew during their 600 km Friends for Life Bike Rally. The incredible first experience grew to an annual outreach until 2019. During the pandemic, CMCC stayed involved through Dr. Janet D’Arcy, who has led a team of cyclists for the past two years and who this year is riding with alumni Drs. Laura Thompson, Don Rey Juan and Lee Brotherston from Toronto to Port Hope on August 7th.
The CMCC Spin Docs would love your support if you’d like to help them raise funds for this important initiative - The Friends for Life Bike Rally – which raises awareness and funds in support of critical services that help people living with HIV/AIDS.
The CMCC SpinDocs Fundraising Page
Dr. Janet D’Arcy
While I am disappointed that CMCC is not part of the wellness crew on the Friends for Life Bike Rally this year, I am excited that CMCC will still have a presence on the rally. The CMCC Spin Docs are completing the one-day (110km) ride to Port Hope on Sunday August 7th.
The CMCC Spin Docs are Lee Brotherston (Class of 2016), Don Rey Juan (Class of 2017), Laura Thompson (Class of 2017) and me (Class of 1993). Lee & Don each did a rotation at Sherbourne Health with me and Laura was a bike rally intern in 2017. I am incredibly honoured that they have agreed to be part of this fundraising ride for one of our community partners – Toronto People with AIDS Foundation.
I have heard the original bike rally referred to as ‘summer camp for adults.’ It is definitely fun. One year I woke up in Kingston on Day 3, with my voice cracking and horse because I laughed so hard the night before. I have also been moved to tears at the candlelight ceremony in Johnstown - hearing stories of love and loss and about so many who have died far too soon. I have witnessed interns learn firsthand in a short time, the power their hands and hearts have to heal and to comfort. Some have called the ride transformative. Transformative is a big word, but I think it’s fitting. Each and every year I finish the rally richer for having taken part.
This year, our involvement is limited to the one-day ride. There will be no ‘dress in red day’, no trips down memory lane on the Queen’s campus, no expletive-laden biking through Montreal. It will be the four of us, riding along with other like-minded individuals to raise funds for the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation.
The bike rally is the major sustaining fundraiser for PWA. The money it raises supports many programs for people who are living with HIV/AIDS. We all have causes that are near and dear to our hearts. PWA does such great work, that I would ask if anyone has not earmarked all of their charitable donation dollars to consider supporting the CMCC Spin Docs as we raise money for PWA.
Dr. Don Rey Juan
I’m excited to ride this year with a group of CMCC chiros because it brings a lot of the things I value together. One of my clinical rotations in 4th year was at Sherbourne Health Centre with Dr. D’Arcy, and so I have some experience working in that area and with the community. We visited PWA during that time and I remember being very impressed with the people working there and the support they offer their community.
Secondly, riding bikes has become a new passion for me, birthed out of the pandemic. Being able to ride out to Port Hope while offering support for the riders alongside a CMCC team will be really fulfilling.
Dr. Lee Brotherston
I’m excited to ride this year as it has been something I’ve wanted to participate in since my time as an intern at the Sherbourne Health Centre. During that time, my eyes were opened to the important work the PWA does and the impact the organization has on the lives of so many.
My wife has volunteered as part of the treatment crew with CMCC for the past few PWA bike rallies, and I’ve been lucky enough to tag along for portions of it, always inspired by the determination, perseverance, energy, and camaraderie of the riders. Although I’m only doing the one-day ride, I’m looking forward to being a part of the rally rather than a bystander.
